The federal government intends to direct more than a half-billion dollars to Florida to help agriculture workers recover from the onslaught of severe weather that hit the Sunshine State over the past two years.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide the state’s agriculture agency with $675.9 million that is meant to offer recovery assistance for Florida’s farmers. The money comes from the $30 billion carved out of the American Relief Act for disaster assistance.

“America’s farmers and ranchers across the Southeast and in Florida have been hit hard and suffered significant economic losses during the last two hurricane seasons,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “USDA has worked closely with the State of Florida to ensure those impacted have the relief they need.”

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will receive the funds in a block grant and the agency is tasked with using it to pay for infrastructure, citrus, and timber losses, along with direct market losses, the USDA explained. Federal officials added the money will help the state’s agricultural agency recover from Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton.

“Florida’s producers have endured back-to-back devastating hurricane seasons, and this funding is a major victory that will help them rebuild, recover, and continue feeding our state and nation,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said, describing food production as a matter of national security.

According to the USDA, the grant will cover losses that were not paid for by other USDA disaster programs. Producers looking to take part will be able to do so by contact FDACS.

Source - https://thenationaldesk.com